The process
The federal and state permitting process for a mining project in Nevada is a rigorous and collaborative effort designed to uphold the highest standards of environmental stewardship, safety, and regulatory compliance. Key agencies, including the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), play vital roles in reviewing and approving each stage of the process. This thorough approach ensures that mining operations are conducted responsibly and sustainably, meeting all required standards and contributing positively to the industry and community.
At the federal level, BLM oversees the management of public lands and requires detailed environmental impact assessments and plans of operation; EPA ensures compliance with environmental laws such as the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act; and USFWS regulates endangered species. These agencies’ assessments and compliance checks involve extensive studies and public consultations, often requiring the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements (EIS).
At the state level, the NDEP requires permits for air quality, water quality, and hazardous materials management, among others. The process includes thorough reviews, public notices, and opportunities for public comment.
Each step in the permitting process is detailed and involves numerous checks and balances. AngloGold Ashanti is providing comprehensive documentation and conducting extensive environmental studies and consultations with stakeholders, including local communities and indigenous groups. This rigorous scrutiny ensures that mining activities are conducted responsibly and sustainably.
Progress at North Bullfrog
The North Bullfrog Project is required to undergo a rigorous permitting process to ensure the proposed mine is constructed, operated and reclaimed in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.
Baseline studies
In preparing the EIS under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), AngloGold Ashanti is conducting extensive baseline studies at North Bullfrog, drawing on its global and regional expertise. These studies gather critical data on the current environmental conditions of the proposed project site, helping to assess and understand the potential impacts of the North Bullfrog mine’s development and operation.
The baseline studies for the proposed North Bullfrog Project include:
- Air Quality Impact Analysis
- Class III Cultural Resources Inventory
- Paleontological Resource Assessment
- Environmental Justice
- Geology and Minerals
- Hydrogeology, including Groundwater Modeling
- Noxious Weed Monitoring and Control
- Pit Slope Stability
- Recreation
- Traffic Study
- Socioeconomics (Community/Social)
- Soil Cover Evaluation
- Vegetation, including Special Status
- Visual Resources Report
- Wildlife, including Special Status and Threatened and Endangered Species